SHARE

Orem pounds GJ Rockies

Grand Junction Rockies shortstop Max George prepares to make a backhanded stop Thursday night in the first inning of the Rockies’ 18-4 loss to Orem. The Rockies didn’t have a hit until the sixth inning.

QUICKREAD

Start time changed

The Grand Junction Rockies’ game vs. Orem, originally slated for 7:05 p.m. today, has been moved to 6:30 p.m. to accommodate the postgame fireworks at Suplizio Field. Gates will open at 4:30 p.m.

Any fan wanting to watch the fireworks show from a seat in Suplizio will need to purchase a ticket to the game. Tickets are available at the gate, the GJ Rockies office, most City Market locations, at http://www.gjrockies.com, or by calling 970-255-7625.

Orem sent 10 batters to the plate during the first inning Thursday night, and Wendell Soto hit two home runs as the Owlz pummeled Grand Junction 18-4 in a Pioneer League baseball game at Orem, Utah.

The Rockies (9-9) were hitless into the sixth inning, with Omar Carrizales finally breaking up the no-hit bid with a triple.

Orem starting pitcher Michael Bolaski originally was drafted as a third baseman by the Angels in 2010, but he was converted into a pitcher late in 2013 after three mediocre seasons at the plate.

Bolaski struck out five batters and walked none, holding the Rockies scoreless in his six innings.

The Owlz (13-5) scored seven runs in the bottom of the first inning, sparked by Soto’s three-run home run, his first of the season.

Orem scored one run in the fourth, thanks to Soto’s second home run, and one run in the fifth inning before erupting for nine runs in the sixth.

Soto singled, and two wild pitches by Grand Junction’s Hunter Brothers allowed him to take second and third base.

Caleb Adams walked, Bo Way singled, and the next six batters reached base safely for Orem. Grand Junction used three pitchers in the inning.

Down 18-0, the Rockies’ offense finally showed some life in the seventh inning, tagging Orem reliever Alex Klonowski for two runs. Klonowski returned for the eighth inning, and Randy Reyes hit a run-scoring single. Wesley Jones capped Grand Junction’s scoring with an RBI single in the ninth.

Rockies starting pitcher Carlos Polanco took the loss, his second of the season.

Grand Junction returns home today after going 2-6 on this road trip. The Rockies will face Orem at 6:30 at Suplizio Field. Gates open at 4:30 p.m.

Jenkins called up

Renaldo Jenkins, a Grand Junction middle infielder, was called up to Class A Short Season Tri City on Wednesday night after the Rockies’ win over Orem.

Jenkins, who was hitting a team-best .444, spent time with Milwaukee’s affiliates in the Arizona and Pioneer Leagues before joining the Rockies this season.

His departure opens a spot at second base for Forrest Wall, who made his pro debut Thursday. The second baseman, who was taken by the Rockies with a competitive balance pick after the first round of the Major League Baseball draft, had been the odd man out with five middle infielders on the roster.